US Deputy Defense Secretary: Putin's threats over missile defense shield are problematic
As was stated by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, Robert Work, the Pentagon is concerned about statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding threats against Russia due to the placement of U.S. ABM systems, The Wall Street Journal reports.
“We would like to ask Russia to think about what they are saying, because we intend to cooperate with them wherever possible. However, such threats are highly problematic and of serious concern to us,” Work said.
On the 13th of May, Work joined Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz at a formal ceremony marking the beginning of construction of a U.S. missile defense base in Redzikovo. According to the Polish Defense Minister, Antoni Macierewicz, the base serves to protect Poland and its allies and the construction should not be considered as aggression against any country.
After the ceremony Work noted that, “We are in constant discussions on whether or not to put defensive capabilities here, but there are no plans at this time to do so,” he stated, as reported by TASS.
On the 12th of May, the U.S. activated a missile shield base in Romania. The construction of the Aegis Ashore missile defense system at Deveselu was completed in May 2015, and it reached operational readiness in December.
Putin believes the deployed complex in Romania is not there as a defense system, but as part of the U.S. nuclear potential. According to him, Moscow will have to think about stopping threats against Russia. The President noted that the actions of Washington contribute to the “destabilization of the international security system and a new arms race.”